Born in Kirkcaldy in Fife, Alan was brought up in Aberdeen where he also went to university.
After leaving full-time study he worked abroad in East Africa and South East Asia and completed a post-graduate qualification in rural development.
He worked for many years in community development.

Alan has always been interested in painting, drawing and sculpture, following various courses with the Open College of the Arts (OCA),
the continuing education programme at Edinburgh College of Art, part-time study at Leith School of Art and with other art tutors.